Our community deserves the strongest fire protection possible. By merging the Swift Creek and Fairview fire departments, we can:
- Combine people, equipment and resources for a stronger response
- Eliminate duplication and overlap
- Provide more consistent service across the district
- Create new opportunities for current volunteers, full-time personnel, part-timers and duty crews
Background
This merger is the result of a long-term effort to provide the best possible service to this part of Wake County.
Tri Data Study from 1994 suggested that the City of Raleigh and Town of Cary should cover areas where they can respond quicker, thus eliminating some of the current Swift Creek district if this model was utilized. The 2003 version of the study suggested the same and further stated that the station should be built in a more centralized location around the Olde South Road area.
Leadership from Swift Creek and Fairview fire departments have partnered with Wake County Fire Services to plan the future of fire service in both areas. Both boards of directors fully support the merger and are ready to see it move forward.
What does this mean for the community?
Better station coverage means improved response times, ensuring that no household or business is outside of Wake County Fire Tax District’s travel time for the first arriving unit, which is 7 minutes 90% of the time. An effective responsive force of 16 firefighters shall arrive on the scene of a working structure fire within 12 minutes of the first arriving unit’s en route time.
There will be more firefighters available per call, and teams will be able to share specialized equipment like rescue, water supply and wildland units. More cost-effective operations mean more taxpayer value.
Going forward, a new, united fire department will serve as a symbol of teamwork and progress for the community. We look forward to holding community events, fire prevention programs and educational offerings under one banner.
Learn more
Residents of the Swift Creek Fire Department district are invited to a community meeting to learn more about the merger.
Community Meeting
Date & time: , 7:00 p.m.
Location: Swift Creek Fire Station
5825 Tryon Road, Cary, NC 27518
On , residents are invited to the department’s annual meeting where they will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed merger.
Questions?
Contact Swift Creek Fire Chief Michael Gerke at mike.gerke@swiftcreekfire.com.